13.1: Planning

Key Idea

Humans can prevent the loss of biological diversity.

Overview

The previous section explained the concept of biodiversity and the importance of habitat, species, and genetic diversity. This section shows some of the ways that conservation biologists attempt to limit the loss of biodiversity. Students learn about the role of human activity in the health or extinction of species. Students construct a nature reserve and propose ways that they can prevent the loss of biodiversity.

Objectives

Students:

define and give examples for the term extinction.

compare and contrast proximate and ultimate causes of extinction.

explain what humans can do to prevent the loss of species through extinction.

Vocabulary

nature reserve, proximate cause, ultimate cause

Student Materials

Activity 12-1: Design a Nature Reserve

Per student

Resource 1

Resource 2

Per group

Butcher paper

Marking pens or colored pencils

Teacher Materials

None

Advance Preparation

See Activity 12-1 in the Student Edition

Interdisciplinary Connections

Social Studies Students design a nature reserve while considering a variety of ethical, economic, and political factors.

Enrichment Activities

Enrichment 12-1: Endangered Species-Do or Die

Students analyze the case history of an endangered species, the California condor.